The Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee (CCSBC) is a citizens group dedicated to the preservation and enhancement of the John A. Roebling Bridge.

Learn more about what we do and please consider joining our efforts.

The John A. Roebling Bridge 

(Officially opened January 1, 1867) 

The John A. Roebling Bridge has been an iconic landmark over the Ohio River for more than 150 years. Designed by civil engineer John Roebling, the bridge officially opened to traffic on January 1, 1867. Its 1,075 foot span made it the longest bridge in the world.

The bridge is an engineering marvel that employed several new bridge-building techniques. Perhaps its most impressive features are the two primary cables, each containing 5,180 individual wires. The cables were “spun” in place using wire imported from England. A second set of cables was added in 1897 to support heavier loads.

In addition to being a National Historic Landmark, the bridge has been designated as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE).

Although the Roebling shares the riverfront with several bridges today, it remains a major thoroughfare for pedestrians and vehicles. Many residents use it to get to work each day, access the riverfront sports venues, and to reach the bars and restaurants in Covington and Cincinnati. 

We invite you to walk across the Roebling Bridge for an up-close look at its structure and the views offered along its span. 

 

Roebling News

New virtual tours of the Roebling Bridge now available for bridge walkers New virtual tours of the Roebling Bridge now available for bridge walkers

New virtual tours of the Roebling Bridge now available for bridge walkers

Michelle Peters 0 7193 Article rating: 4.3

Everyone in the region is familiar with the John A. Roebling Bridge. It is the oldest and most photographed bridge along our stretch of the Ohio River. Now, bridge walkers can access a virtual tour and learn some of the history, construction, and engineering behind the famous structure.

The volunteer-led Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee (CCSBC) has developed a virtual version of the in-person informational tours it has given in the past. After the members designed an inventive (and Kentucky Department of Transportation-approved) way to attach brackets so they are visible along the walkway, the group installed QR Code plaques that bring walkers directly to the tour pages on the RoeblingBridge.org website.

There are 3 unique tour stations, with QR Code plaques placed strategically along the length of the bridge for walkers heading either north or south. The tour stations include the Anchor Houses, the Towers, and the Midspan. During each tour, which lasts less than 3 minutes, narrator Dave Akers shares old photos, along with drawings and new photos, that explain details of the bridge’s structure. He also explains the changes that have been made to the bridge since it was opened for use in 1867.

The CCSBC is a nonprofit organization that provides and maintains the flags that fly on the north and south towers, the decorative pier lights, and “necklace” lights on the bridge’s span. The group also promotes public awareness of the bridge. These new tours will help visitors to the bridge understand and appreciate the history and engineering of this John Roebling masterpiece.

More information about the bridge and the CCSBC can be found at https://roeblingbridge.org/.

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““… this bridge, when constructed, will possess great claims as a national monument. As a splendid work of art and as a remarkable specimen of the modern engineering and construction, it will stand unrivaled upon the continent. Its gigantic features will speak loudly in favor of the energy and enterprise of its possession.””

John A. Roebling, 1846

 

Take the Virtual Tour

Hear some interesting history and stories about key parts of the bridge.

Take the virtual tour.

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The CCSBC welcomes cash or electronic donations to support the work of the Committee. Please donate online using the button above.

 

The John A. Roebling Bridge Webcam

The webcam is powered by EarthCam and is sponsored by the Covington-Cincinnati Suspension Bridge Committee and Corporex.